New Delhi: India is set to conduct a significant missile test in the Bay of Bengal, issuing a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) to alert aviation authorities and maritime operations of the impending launch. Scheduled between October 15 and 17, the NOTAM covers an extensive danger zone spanning approximately 3,550 kilometers, signaling preparations for a long-range missile test.
Defense analysts suggest that the test could involve advanced variants of the Agni missile series, potentially Agni-V or Agni-VI, which are capable of carrying multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs). While the Ministry of Defence has not officially confirmed the missile type, the scale of the danger zone underscores the strategic importance of this launch.
International attention is already focused on the Bay of Bengal. China has deployed its missile tracking vessel Yuan Wang 5 to monitor the test closely, reflecting its interest in India's growing strategic capabilities. The United States is also expected to observe the developments, highlighting the test's significance in Indo-Pacific security dynamics.
This missile trial marks India’s continued commitment to strengthening its deterrence and asserting its regional defense posture. Analysts believe that the outcome of the launch will be closely scrutinized by global powers, influencing strategic calculations across the region.
The three-day window for the test ensures controlled observation while maintaining safety for civil and commercial activities in surrounding areas. As the test date approaches, the Bay of Bengal is set to become a focal point of strategic military interest, underscoring India's evolving defense capabilities.